View full sizeMolly Young/The OregonianThe Wilsonville building where SoloPower officials had planned to build their thin-film solar panel plant.

WILSONVILLE -- Local leaders and residents are reacting Friday to news that SoloPower will move its thin-film solar panel plant to Portland instead, taking its promise of hundreds of jobs and a $340 million investment.

The region's focus first turned to the San Jose, Calif., company in January, when it announced its plans for a Wilsonville thin-film solar panel plant. Jan. 13: SoloPower CEO Tim Harris and Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp jointly announce that the California-based company will bring its plant – and jobs – to the city.

Jan. 20: The Wilsonville City Council grants initial approval to a special taxing district designed for SoloPower, allowing them to consider the plan for adoption. In all, the city would provide $11 million worth of incentives to the company.

February: A front-page article printed in the city newslettersays Wilsonville and SoloPower officials have "reached an agreement to locate the company" in the former Nike distribution center. Some councilors would later question the article because the council hadn't formally adopted the plan.

Feb. 22: City leaders host SoloPower execs for a community open house to explain the city's urban renewal district plan.

March 9: Planning commissioners decide the special taxing district designed for SoloPower conforms with city code.

April 4: The city council stalls a decision to adopt the district after several Wilsonville residents testified against the plan. A few questioned why the plan wasn't put to a public vote. SoloPower officials say the delay could force them out of town.

April 5-18: Local, county and state officials, including Gov. John Kitzhaber, lobby city councilors to approve the plan. CEO Harris said the company is looking into alternative sites.

View full sizeMolly Young/The OregonianWilsonville City Councilors adopt an $11 million incentive plan for SoloPower.

April 19: Vince Alexander launched a referendum drive to force a public vote on the issue. Alexander donated $6,000 cash to his political action committee, Stop Urban Renewal Giveaway, and paid $4,000 of it to signature gatherers. If successful, the measure would be placed on a September ballot.

Early May: Wilsonville Mayor Knapp writes an email warning residents that signing the petition could force SoloPower out of town, saying the company didn't have time to wait for a vote.

Days later, an ad-hoc group formed by Knapp and other local leaders sends a postcard to local homes. "Don't sign away 400 jobs!"